Which of the following will shift to the left from dilute tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid?
Answer Details
Dilute tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid is also known as sulfuric acid (H2SO4). When an acid dissociates, it produces hydrogen ions (H+) and the corresponding anions. The extent to which the acid dissociates is dependent on its strength. Strong acids dissociate completely in solution, while weak acids only partially dissociate.
In the given options, magnesium is the only metal that will shift to the left from dilute tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid. This is because magnesium is more reactive than hydrogen, and will displace hydrogen from the acid to form magnesium sulfate and hydrogen gas. This displacement reaction will shift the equilibrium position to the left, reducing the concentration of hydrogen ions and increasing the concentration of undissociated acid.
The other metals listed - lead, copper, and gold - are less reactive than hydrogen and will not displace hydrogen from the acid. Therefore, their equilibrium position will remain unchanged and they will not shift to the left or the right.